Clarke County License Hearing Guide

How to request your Administrative License Hearing and protect your driving privileges after a DUI arrest.

Last verified: January 21, 2026

15-Day Deadline

You have exactly 15 days from your arrest to request a hearing. Miss this deadline and your license is automatically suspended. No exceptions.

Enter your arrest date to see your deadline:

Select arrest date

If You Request in Time

  • • Temporary permit until hearing
  • • Chance to keep your license
  • • Gather evidence for defense

If You Miss the Deadline

  • • Automatic 90-180 day suspension
  • • No hearing, no appeal
  • • Starts after waiting period

How to Request Your Hearing

Fastest Method

Online Request

Fee: Typically $50-$125

Available: 24/7

Instant confirmation

Alternative

Phone Request

Fee: Same as online

Hours: Business hours only

Expect hold times

Information You'll Need

From Your Notice:

  • • Driver License Number
  • • Date of Arrest
  • • Arresting Agency
  • • Arresting Officer Name

Personal Information:

  • • Full Legal Name
  • • Current Address
  • • Date of Birth
  • • Phone Number & Email

After You Request

1

Temporary Permit

Immediate

Drive legally until your hearing

2

Hearing Notice

20-40 days

Date, time, and format mailed to you

3

Prepare Defense

Before hearing

Gather evidence, hire attorney

4

Attend Hearing

Scheduled date

Usually phone or video

5

Decision

Same day

Win: keep license. Lose: suspension starts

What to Expect at the Hearing

Most hearings are by phone or video

You usually don't need to travel. When you receive your hearing notice, it will specify whether it's phone, video, or in-person.

Duration

30-60 minutes typically

Who's There

You, your attorney (optional), state attorney, hearing officer

What They Review

Probable cause for stop, proper arrest procedure, test validity

Evidence That Can Help

  • Dashcam or bodycam footage showing procedural errors
  • Breathalyzer calibration records (if not current)
  • Witness statements about your sobriety
  • Medical conditions affecting field sobriety tests

Should You Hire an Attorney?

With an Attorney

  • Can subpoena arresting officer
  • Knows how to challenge evidence
  • Uses hearing to strengthen criminal defense
  • Higher success rate at hearings

Without an Attorney

  • State has experienced attorney present
  • May not know proper objections
  • Can't effectively cross-examine officers
  • Lower win rate statistically
Find DUI Attorneys in Clarke County

If You Lose Your Hearing

Losing the hearing isn't the end. You still have options to maintain limited driving privileges:

Ignition Interlock

Drive with device installed

Occupational License

Limited driving for work/essentials

FAQ

Related Guides

Court Process
Criminal case timeline
Bail & Bond
Getting released

The Clarke County Jail, located at 3015 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605, processes all DUI arrestees regardless of the arresting agency. If you've been arrested for DUI in Clarke County, Georgia, your driver's license will likely be seized, and you'll be issued a DDS-1205 form. This form acts as a temporary driving permit, but more importantly, it triggers a strict 15-day deadline to request an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) hearing to challenge the suspension of your driving privileges.

This guide explains the ALS hearing process specific to Clarke County, helping you understand your rights and options.

What is an ALS Hearing?

An ALS hearing is a legal proceeding separate from your criminal DUI case. It determines whether your driver's license will be suspended for refusing a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) or for submitting to a test that reveals a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (0.02% for drivers under 21 due to Georgia's "Zero Tolerance" law, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391(k)(1)).

Requesting Your ALS Hearing: The 15-Day Deadline

You MUST request an ALS hearing within 15 calendar days of your arrest. Failure to do so will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license.

How to Request Your ALS Hearing in Georgia:

While specific instructions may vary slightly, you generally request an ALS hearing by sending a written request to the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). It's highly recommended to send this request via certified mail with return receipt requested to ensure proof of timely submission.

  1. Request a hearing online through DDS Online Services.
  2. By mail. Send your request to: Georgia Department of Driver Services Post Office Box 80447 Conyers, GA 30013

ALS Hearing Location

While the request goes to the DDS, your ALS hearing for a Clarke County DUI will likely be held at a location within the Western Judicial Circuit (Clarke and Oconee Counties), generally in Athens. The specific location will be indicated in the notice you receive from the DDS after you request the hearing.

What Happens at the ALS Hearing?

At the ALS hearing, the DDS will present evidence to support the license suspension. This evidence typically includes the arresting officer's testimony and documents related to your arrest, such as the DDS-1205 form and any breath or blood test results.

You (or your attorney) will have the opportunity to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses in an attempt to challenge the suspension. Common challenges include questioning the validity of the traffic stop, the administration of the field sobriety tests, or the accuracy of the breathalyzer.

The Intoxilyzer 9000 in Clarke County

Clarke County utilizes the Intoxilyzer 9000 as its official breath-testing instrument. These devices are strategically located to minimize transport times:

  • Clarke County Jail (Intake): The primary device used for the vast majority of arrests.
  • UGA Police Headquarters: A secondary location often used for campus-related arrests or during high-volume events.

Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the ALS hearing process can be complex, and the outcome can significantly impact your driving privileges. Consulting with an experienced DUI attorney who is familiar with Clarke County procedures is crucial. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and present a strong defense at your hearing. An attorney can also advise you on your eligibility for a limited driving permit.

The Clarke County Jail's main line is 706-613-3270.

Sources
  • Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles / Public Safety
  • Georgia Administrative Code - License Suspension Procedures

Last updated: January 21, 2026

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